OGUN NLC CHAIRMAN ‘STOPPED’ FROM READING SPEECH AT WORKERS DAY CEREMONY
It was a shocking Workers Day celebration for the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress,(NLC),Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Akeem Ambali on Monday as he became a spectator at the ceremony, which he was expected to oversee.
The embattled Ambali was on October 2016 sacked by the State Governor,Senator Ibikunle Amosun alongside 34 others over alleged role in disparaging the government at the World Teachers Day,held in Abeokuta.
But the sacked Ambali maintained that,inspite of the sack,he remained the labour chairman as contained in the labour law.
However,at the workers day,he met what he didn’t bargained for, as he was ‘diplomatically’ eased out from presenting his speech,in what maybe be described as an ‘order’ from the above.
Ambali who was sitting on third seat to the governor,was preparing to read his speech,when event turned against him and had to remained glue on his seat.
As a way to keep off of further embarrassment,his role was urgently transferred for his colleague,chairman of the Trade Union Congress,(TUC),Comrade Olubunmi Fajobi,who read the speech on his behalf.
The sudden turn around of event caught the union members and guests at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium,Abeokuta,unaware, as they were noticed to be amazed and discussing the development in low tune.
Our correspondent report that,in his speech,which was eventually read by Fajobi, said the union remain as non-partisan and not anti-empoyer as being speculated in some quarters.
‘We wish to plea for greater understanding by employer or delibrate attempt to destroy the industries and government at any level but occasioned by economic pressure of recession and need for survival as workers’,the speech said.
The speech also,called on the state governor,Senator Ibikunle Amosun that in the spirit of workers day,should re-instate four workers,which include him,who are still under the sack hammer of the governor.
The statement further added that ,the workforce has no grudges with the government,hence,a plea to lift the sack order.
‘Your Excellency, labour recalled circumstances leading to the dismissal of over 35 labour leaders in October,2016 about 6 months ago. Sir we thank you for the recall of others and plea for your clemency to discharge and acquit the remaining 4 labour leaders’.
The speech stated that,the workforce should not be seen as opposition,anti-government or confrotational,as being made to believe by the governor in some quarters.
‘Your Excellency sir,despite various innuendo and insinuations,we affirm that labour does not intend to serve as opposition,anti-government of confrotational. We are only requesting for proper inclusiveness in this our administration under our own Governor,Senator Ibikunle Amosun’
In a related development,the union suggested to the governor on need to direct the usage of the model schools,which should commensurate with the minimum wage of N18,000.00 per term quickly to avoid depreciation and vandalization to ensure full operation and supervision two years under your close watch.
The union added further that,experienced retired principals should be engaged to run the school with a reduced overhead cost.
